Multiple Sclerosis

What is MS? This is a chronic and often disabling disease in which the body’s immune system (t-cells) attacks the central nervous system. This damage is not reversible or preventable. This is a chronic and often disabling disease in which the body’s immune system (t-cells) attacks the central nervous system. This damage is not reversible or preventable.

The body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. Once the sheath is damaged t-cells excrete a chemical that further damages the nerve. This damage is irreversible. The body’s immune system attacks the myelin sheath that protects the nerve fibers. Once the sheath is damaged t-cells excrete a chemical that further damages the nerve. This damage is irreversible. The scarring left behind (sclerotic tissue) causes loss of feeling, function, or control.

How do you get it? o MS is not contagious and allegedly not directly inherited. The actual cause is still not known. o MS affects more than 2.1 million people world wide and is 2-3 times more common in women than men.

Diagnosis o Extensive neurological testing including coordination, balance, language, and vision. o Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on brain, neck and spinal cord. o Spinal tap to test for oligoclonal bands.

Diagnosis o Extensive neurological testing including coordination, balance, language, and vision. o Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) on brain, neck and spinal cord. o Spinal tap to test for oligoclonal bands.

4 Types of MS o Relapse Remitting (most common) o Secondary-Progressive o Progressive-Relapsing (least common) o Primary progressive

Treatment o Immunosuppressant therapy o Myelin “bodyguard” o Manage symptoms o Improve function and safety o Many types of therapy o Stay healthy and active

Future Treatment possibilities Chemotherapy and Stem cell use are both being tried in the lab but neither are being allowed to test on human subjects.